Greensboro, NC (11/21/98) -- Freshman guard Erin Beacham (Atlanta, GA/Lovett School) scored 13 of her team-high 21 points in the second half as Guilford (1-0) rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat visiting Averett (0-1), 59-54, in the season-opener for both teams.

Senior Michelle Warner (Danville, VA/George Washington) and junior Courtney Cowart (Rustburg, VA/Rustburg) scored 10 points apiece as the Cougars took advantage of 13 Guilford turnovers and opened a 29-22 halftime lead. Back-to-back baskets by senior Jion Word (Chatham, VA/Chatham) gave Averett a 38-26 lead with 13:30 left in the game.

The Cougars led 48-40 with 7:10 remaining before the Quakers embarked on an 11-2 run. Beacham capped the run with a three-pointer which gave Guilford a 51-50 lead with 3:14 to play. She scored five points in the Quakers' run while sophomore Marlo Biernacki (Alden, NY/Alden Central) (10 pts., 7 reb.) added four points.

The teams traded baskets and Averett held its final lead at 52-51 on a Warner field goal with 2:26 left. A Biernacki layup with 2:13 left gave Guilford the lead for good at 53-52. Beacham sealed the win with four free throws in the final minute.

Guilford rookie Amy Evans (New Bern, NC/New Bern), fresh off an all-conference soccer season, recorded a double-double with 10 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in her collegiate hoops debut. Sophomore Arden Miller (Landenberg, PA/Sanford (DE)) scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds off the bench for Guilford.

The Quakers are back in action this Monday night (11/23) at home against Division II Pfeiffer University at 5:30 p.m.